COMPLETE LIST | New laws that take effect on Jan. 1, 2026 in Maryland

ANNAPOLIS, Md. (7News) — Maryland is set to implement several new laws beginning Jan. 1, 2026, targeting healthcare, worker rights, public safety, and consumer protection.

In a significant move for healthcare, the state will mandate preventive cancer screenings for firefighters in self-insured counties to support early detection and treatment.

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Insurance coverage will expand to include hearing aids, and insurers will be required to cover anesthesia for the entire duration of procedures and related care.

Pediatric care will also benefit from updated rules on hospital transfers and care for children.

HERE IS THE ENTIRE LIST:

In a bid to improve diabetes management, a new law will prohibit certain insurers, nonprofit health service plans, and health maintenance organizations from imposing step therapy or fail-first protocols for insulin or insulin analogs used to treat Type 1, Type 2, or gestational diabetes.

This regulation will apply to all policies, contracts, and health benefit plans issued, delivered, or renewed in the state from Jan. 1, 2026. Additionally, similar restrictions will apply to prescription drugs used to treat symptoms or side effects of stage four metastatic cancer, provided the drug use aligns with best practices.

Rideshare companies will face new requirements to provide operators with weekly summaries of fares and earnings. They must also report specific information to the Public Service Commission by Feb. 1 of each year.

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In the realm of personal services, barbers and hairstylists will undergo mandatory domestic-violence training, elevating the standards of their professional training.

Housing regulations will see changes with new tax-sale rules. Tax collectors will have the authority to withhold specific properties from tax sale if occupied by an heir of a deceased owner. Counties must establish a registry for interested parties or have a tax-sale ombudsman designate properties for withholding, with assistance from the State Department of Assessments and Taxation.

A new tax law will establish an appeal process for individuals subject to the digital advertising gross revenues tax who receive a notice of assessment from the comptroller. The comptroller or their designee will be authorized to issue orders to correct erroneous tax evaluations, subject to specific conditions. This law will apply to assessments made after Dec. 31, 2025.